WREG.com

Jonesboro latest site of possible hepatitis A outbreak

JONESBORO, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health has warned of another possible hepatitis A exposure, the latest in an ongoing epidemic in the northeastern part of the state.

Health Department spokeswoman Meg Mirivel said Wednesday that an employee of Murdocks Catfish in Jonesboro tested positive for the disease. Mirivel says anyone who ate at the restaurant between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5 should seek vaccination.

Northeastern Arkansas has seen 158 hepatitis A cases, including one death, since February in an unusually severe outbreak which has largely hit Greene County. Officials say Arkansas usually has about 10 cases a year.

The department has been operating free vaccination clinics in the area and has encouraged Greene County residents to seek vaccination.

Symptoms of the contagious liver disease include fever, nausea, fatigue and jaundice.